Braxton Hicks vers Contractions?

[DestyniBoyer7]

What are things to help distinguish the difference between the two for first time moms?

Can Braxton Hicks be a sign that labor  is around the corner?

What are things to look for when nearing the end and you think it may be labor?

[DestyniBoyer7]

Thank you for the advice!

[AprilBby15]

This is what my doc said. Hope it helps

Braxton hicks- aren't constant, can be uncomfortable or painless tightening of uterus/stomach, typically goes away with laying down on your side/walking or drinking a bunch of water, doesn't get worse with movement

Contractions- are constant and timeable (10 minutes apart 8, to 5, etc as an example), gets more intense as time goes on or with more movement such as walking, can be hard to talk/breathe through.  

[Emalee132]

Honestly there really isn't a single thing to look for either, when I went into labor I had lost my mucus plug 3 weeks earlier, I just had a lot more watery discharge (and it wasn't my water breaking) but I didn't even get my bloody show until I was having labor contractions for about 10 hours (I was in labor for 29 hours/:) but my labor totally hit me by surprise even though I had two days until my due date I thought I'd see more signs but I really didnt

[Emalee132]

More frequent braxton hicks are a sign of your body preparing for labor... Braxton hicks are usually less painful (although can be painful) they aren't consistent and will stop if you lay down, walk around or take a bath! You'll know when you get real contractions! They're consistent and they don't go away no matter what you do, they're usually a lot more painful! (When I started having contractions, I layed on the couch all night and everytime I had a contraction Id have to grip onto the cushions and Id stiffen my legs because they hurt so bad) everyone is different though, but usually you'll know the difference as soon as you start to go into labor!